Comparison of Conventional and Hot Biopsy Forceps in the Diagnosis of Endobronchial Lesions

Background and objectives: Use of electrocoagulation (hot biopsy forceps) when performing endobronchial biopsy is designed to reduce procedure-related bleeding. At this time, evidence regarding the effective application of hot biopsy in the diagnosis of endobronchial lesions and the bleeding rate is unclear. This study analyzed the number of specimens obtained, number of terminated procedures and histopathological diagnosis between conventional biopsy and hot biopsy groups. Methods: This retrospective chart review study was conducted from January 2006 to February 2012 in a single teaching hospital. The medical records of 232 patients that underwent endobronchial biopsy were reviewed: 116 underwent endobronchial biopsy with conventional biopsy forceps and 116 with hot biopsy forceps. Results: The number of biopsy specimens and the malignancy diagnosis rate were significantly higher in the hot biopsy forceps group (biopsy specimens: 3.86 vs. 3.46, p=0.036; malignancy diagnosis rate: 63.8% vs. 47.4%, p=0.0012), and the non-specific pathological diagnosis rate was significantly lower (34.5% vs. 49.1%, p=0.0024). The 2 groups did not differ with regard to the number of terminated procedures (hot vs. conventional: 1 vs 3, p=0.622). Conclusions: More specimens can be obtained during endobronchial biopsy with hot biopsy forceps, and can result in a higher malignancy diagnosis rate.